The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated it will not tolerate any form of anarchy under the guise of a nationwide protest.
During a press conference on Thursday, Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, commented on the planned protest in Nigeria, suggesting it aims to mimic the unrest in Kenya. Buba emphasized that while citizens have the constitutional right to peaceful protests, they do not have the right to incite anarchy and violence.
Buba revealed that the military has identified plans by certain “unscrupulous elements” to hijack the protest and instigate violence.
“The contemporary context of this planned protest is to shadow what is happening in Kenya,” Buba said. “In Kenya, the protests are characterized by violence and remain unresolved. We have detected some elements determined to hijack the planned protest and turn it violent. Many are following in ignorance.”
Reports have surfaced about a youth-led nationwide protest against widespread economic hardship, scheduled to start on August 1. Both the federal government and President Bola Tinubu have urged protest leaders to cancel the demonstration.
Buba warned that the anticipated level of violence during the protest could lead to a state of anarchy. “The armed forces will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation,” he asserted. “We have seen and witnessed anarchy in countries where we have operated, and we will not allow it here.”
(cable)